Tanzania visa on arrival is available at three major international airports. Travelers who have not applied for an e-Visa in advance can obtain their visa at the airport immigration counter for $50 USD cash. This guide covers exactly which airports offer the service, what to bring, and what to expect.
Tanzania Airports with Visa on Arrival
| Airport | City | IATA | International Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Nyerere International Airport | Dar es Salaam | DAR | Africa's major hubs, Middle East, Europe |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport | Arusha/Moshi | JRO | Nairobi, Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, Doha, Dubai |
| Zanzibar International Airport | Zanzibar City | ZNZ | Istanbul, Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa |
All three airports process visa on arrival for eligible nationalities.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) — Visa on Arrival
Tanzania's busiest international airport. Features:
- Dedicated visa on arrival counter (separate from e-Visa lane)
- Available 24 hours for international flights
- Busiest during: late evening European arrivals, mid-morning Nairobi connections
- Queue times: 15–30 minutes off-peak, up to 90 minutes during peak hours
- Cash USD required — bring exact amount
Tip: If arriving on the same flight as many other tourists (e.g., a KLM flight from Amsterdam), be prepared for a longer queue at both VoA counter and e-Visa lane.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — Visa on Arrival
Tanzania's main northern gateway, primarily serving safari travelers. Features:
- Visa on arrival counter available
- Generally less busy than DAR
- Primary arrival airport for Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari travelers
- Most operators have ground staff waiting in arrivals to assist
Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) — Visa on Arrival
The Zanzibar airport handles a mix of domestic, regional, and international flights. Features:
- Visa on arrival processing available
- Note: if you have already entered Tanzania at DAR or JRO with a valid visa, arriving at ZNZ is an internal immigration checkpoint — not a new visa application
What to Bring for Visa on Arrival at Tanzania Airport
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | 6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages |
| $50 USD cash | Crisp, clean notes — pre-2009 bills sometimes refused |
| Completed arrival card | Given on the flight |
| Return/onward ticket | On phone or printed |
| Accommodation address | Hotel name and address |
| Yellow fever certificate | If from endemic country |
Bring clean, newer USD bills. Tanzania immigration counters often reject damaged or heavily worn notes. $50 bills are ideal. Smaller denominations are also accepted.
Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa at Tanzania Airports
| Factor | Visa on Arrival | e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Apply | At airport | Online before travel |
| Cost | $50 USD cash | $50 USD card |
| Queue | 15–90 minutes | 5–15 minutes (faster lane) |
| Pre-authorization | No | Yes |
| Best for | Last-minute travelers | All other travelers |
Recommendation: Apply for the e-Visa online — same cost, faster processing on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time